The UK family Harley trike tour was a great way to see Sydney, the fun way. If on holiday, celebrate and do something unique and memorable. That’s exactly what happened today!

One of our trike riders and two of our Harley riders, picked the passenger family up from North Bondi Surf Club.

North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club

From their website: North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club is built upon a rich and rewarding history of life saving and volunteer service to the community. Formed in 1906 as one of the first clubs in Australia, our club has a proud tradition of more than 100 years providing essential beach safety, life saving services, and community events to members of the public.

Rose Bay

Firstly, they rode west through Rose Bay. It is a harbourside eastern suburb of Sydney, located seven km east of the CBD.

The name Rose Bay was used as early as 1788 by Captain John Hunter. HMAS Tingira, named after an Aboriginal word for ‘open sea’ was moored in Rose Bay from 1912 to 1927. It was used to train over 3,000 Australian sailors, many for service in World War I. There is a small park on the Rose Bay waterfront which commemorates Tingira.

Double Bay

Secondly, they rode through Double Bay. Also known as “double pay”, Double Bay takes its name from the bay of Sydney Harbour and refers to the two geographical formations between Point Piper and Darling Point, which are interrupted by a miniature point in between. Already, the UK family Harley trike tour has shown some beautiful areas of Sydney.

Rushcutters Bay

Further west is Rushcutters Bay. After British settlement, the area was first known as ‘Rush Cutting Bay’ because the swampy land was covered in tall rushes used by early settlers for thatching houses. In 1878, 2 hectares (6 acres) were reserved for recreation; and, after reclamation work was completed, Rushcutters Bay Park was created.

Coca-Cola billboard

Heading further west, look up to see the famous “Coke Sign”. It is an advertising billboard erected in 1974 by the Coca-Cola Company. More often regarded as an iconic landmark than as an advertisement. The new Coca-Cola sign was officially turned on, on 15 September 2016, and uses a lot less power. It is the single largest controllable LED sign in the Southern Hemisphere and can change colour.

Kings Cross

Riding through the infamous Kings Cross is always interesting. It has calmed down a lot since it’s heyday – it’s home to the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. Kings Cross is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently). Already, the Sydney holiday Harley ride was fun and interesting!

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

Then, they rode into the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo. It has the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. Lots of interesting photos are on the walls, mostly of famous celebrities who have visited over the years.

Also there is Garden Island. Garden Island is the location of a major Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base.

Mrs Macquaries Chair / Point

This leads to Mrs Macquaries Point. This peninsula was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife, who ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquaries Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens. They had a quick stop here to check it out and take photos.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Finally, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic. It’s nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design. It is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. This bridge is the eighth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 m (440 ft) from top to water level. It was also the world’s widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 m (160 ft) wide, until a bridge in Canada was completed in 2012.

McMahons Point / Blues Point Reserve

Lastly, they rode on through Milsons Point, did a left hand turn and rode up a few streets. This leads to Blues Point Reserve. The views over Blues Bay towards the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD are just stunning. It’s where this photo was taken.

However, the hour was almost over so our riders took the passengers back over the SHB to their hotel.

Feel the Freedom!

Check out a description of the tour here. Don’t forget every tour is unique so may not be exactly as stated but you will always see the icons mentioned (unless the fireworks are on so half the roads are closed). The family Harley trike tour was a fun way to see Sydney and move from one point to another!

or just email trevor@trolltours.com.au and tell us what you would like to do.

The daughter mother trike ride was a fabulous birthday present. Our trike rider picked them up home in Double Bay.

Double Bay

The suburb of Double Bay is a harbourside eastern suburb 4 km east of Sydney CBD.

It takes its name from the bay of Sydney Harbour and refers to the two geographical formations between Point Piper and Darling Point, which are interrupted by a miniature point in between. It has some of the most expensive real-estate in Australia and is colloquially often referred to as “Double Pay”, a term coined due to the high income of people living there, and the nature of the shopping area which features high-end fashion labels.

Bondi Beach

Firstly, they rode to the world famous Bondi Beach. This is the beach where Bondi Lifeguards of the Bondi Rescue TV series is filmed. When in Sydney it is one of the places you should visit. The beach is seriously nice (but not our favourite) but it’s good to say you have seen it. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia. Bondi Beach is recorded by the Australian Museum that Bondi means place where a fight using boondi sticks (nullas nullas or fighting sticks) took place.

They stopped near the Lifeguard Tower to have a look and take photos.

Watsons Bay

Next, they rode north to Watsons Bay. It sits on the end of the South Head peninsula and takes its name from the sheltered bay and anchorage on its western side, in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). Fabulous views across the harbour to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Already, the daughter mother trike ride has shown our locals a fun perspective to their local area and our beautiful city.

The Gap

Opposite is “The Gap” . The view is towards North Head and out to the South Pacific Ocean. The Gap is an ocean cliff which faces the Tasman Sea, and is located in the suburb of Watsons Bay. Although the cliff is a popular tourist destination, it is infamous for suicides.

Gap Park is located on a coastal escarpment on Sydney Harbour’s South Head. It has spectacular views of both the harbour and the ocean. A weather worn memorial to an officer killed in the Boer War, is at the entrance to Gap Park.

Macquarie Lightstation

They stopped at Macquarie Lightstation / lighthouse. Completed in 1818, Macquarie Lighthouse was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway for Lachlan Macquarie, the Governor of NSW. Owing to crumbling foundations, it was reconstructed in the 1880s. Standing at 26 metres tall, the replacement tower was designed by the state’s Colonial Architect, James Barnet, to closely resemble Greenway’s original.

Centennial Park

Lastly, it is interesting riding through the huge Centennial Park is a lovely experience. 120 fields and venues, and 35+ different sports played in the Centennial Parklands. It is the largest community sports precinct in Australia! The history is also interesting: “Originally a swamp and then set aside as land for the water source for Sydney. Centennial Park was reconstructed as a public park and opened in 1888. Sir Henry Parkes’ vision was to create a ‘People’s Park’ in which the citizens of Sydney could ‘take in the air’ away from the Sydney town centre.”

This photo was taken here.

However, the 1 hour was up so the trike rider dropped them back at their home. In conclusion, the daughter mother trike ride was a fun and memorable experience. Even the locals saw a different perspective to their area of Sydney.

Feel the Freedom!

Check out a description of the tour here. Don’t forget every tour is unique !

or just email trevor@trolltours.com.au and tell us what you would like to do.

The family special needs ride on a trike was mainly for Lillian. Andrea wrote, “Sightseeing isn’t a big deal for her, the ride will be thrilling in itself. She loves bikes.” It sure was, after the ride Mum wrote, “…Our daughter has the best time…”. Will put the full review on soon.

Our trike rider picked them up from their hotel in Darling Harbour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic. It’s nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design. It is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. This bridge is the eighth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 m (440 ft) from top to water level. It was also the world’s widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 m (160 ft) wide, until a bridge in Canada was completed in 2012.

Kirribilli

From there, the rider took him through the back streets of Mosman, Cremorne, Neutral Bay, and into Kirribilli, to the Prime Minister‘s residence and Admiralty House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.

Next door is Admiralty House. It is the Sydney residence of the Governor-General and one of the most historic and important residences on Sydney Harbour. The house – originally called ‘Wotonga’ – was built in the mid 1800’s.

After that, they rode around the corner to Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge. What a great view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge!

The Kirribilli Loop – Harbour Bridge north side

They rode under the north side of the bridge and continued on their tour. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. As usual, the family special needs ride on a trike, was already showing some beautiful sights and icons of Sydney.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

The next bridge is an old but smallish bridge – the Fig Tree Bridge. It opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. After that bridge, they continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. Then they got to bridge #2 of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city.

Gladesville Bridge

Next, the Gladesville Bridge is a heritage-listed concrete arch road bridge that carries Victoria Road over the Parramatta River, from the western suburbs to the city (or vice versa). It was the first 305-metre (1,000 ft) span concrete bridge in the world and had a substantial number of engineering and technical elements that made it a world-leading bridge design and construction achievement. It was also the first bridge, if not one of the first bridges, to utilise computer programming in its construction.

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road – from the western suburbs to the city (or vice versa).

Bay Run

Then, they did a detour off the main arterial road through the inner west suburbs of Rozelle, Lilyfield, Haberfield, Five Dock and Drummoyne. They followed part of the Bay Run. It is a 7km long (4.3 mi) shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians that encircles much of Iron Cove. It never deviates more than 20m from the water so the views are pretty nice. The family special needs ride on a trike has shown our passengers a unique area of Sydney. It’s where this photo was taken.

ANZAC Bridge

After a couple of turns, they rode over our favourite bridge, the ANZAC Bridge. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #1 of this tour. Similarly, it is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view.

Most noteworthy, the stay cable design concept development and final design for the new bridge were carried out by the Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW. Finally, the bridge was opened to traffic on 03 December 1995 as the Glebe Island Bridge.

The bridge was given its current name on Remembrance Day in 1998 to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as ANZACs) who served in World War I.

In conclusion, the family special needs ride on a trike, was a fun and unique experience. Something different to do in Sydney.

Feel the Freedom!

Check out a description of the tour here. Don’t forget every tour is unique so may not be exactly as stated but you will always see the icons mentioned.

or just email trevor@trolltours.com.au and tell us what you would like to do.

Demi’s Dad George, organised the Harley transfer Christmas voucher for his daughter. She used it today when her Dad organised lunch for them both in Sydney city. George drove to the restaurant so they had transport home. Our Harley Davidson rider picked her up from home in Dee Why, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Dee Why

Firstly, they rode to Dee Why which is a very popular beach, it has been done up over the last decade. A park for concerts, a playground and restaurants across the road make it very popular with locals. It also has lovely clean sand and good waves. It is 18km NW of Sydney CBD. The reasons for Dee Why’s name remain unclear. The earliest reference to it is a pencil note in surveyor James Meehan’s field book, “Wednesday, 27th Sept, 1815 Dy Beach – Marked a Honey Suckle Tree near the Beach”. What it meant to him is not clear.

Curl Curl

Then, they rode south past Curl Curl Beach. This is one of our favourite beaches in Sydney! The name Curl Curl may have been derived from a Dharuk Aboriginal phrase curial curial, meaning river of life. It’s such a lovely beach to ride past as it’s easily seen from the road. It was first settled by Europeans in 1858.

Freshwater

Freshwater has a very interesting history. This is a very small part of the history:

In December 1914, Duke Kahanamoku, the world sprint swimming champion, was touring Australia. He selected timber from a Sydney firm to fashion a board modelled on those used in his native Hawaii. He gave a demonstration to the press of surf board riding at Freshwater Beach. It was the second recorded time that anyone had surfed the clean waves beyond the break in Australian waters using this Hawaiian-style surfing technique. The first known surf board rider was Manly local Tommy Walker who rode a board at the 1912 Freshwater surf carnival. (wikipedia)

Manly

Next, they rode past the main beach of Manly. Manly has several claims to fame; it was the birthplace of surfing in Australia, the first place to legalise all-day bathing in 1903 and one of the world’s first Surf Life Saving clubs. Manly Beach was the location for the first World Surfing Championships held in 1964. Already, beaches disability trike tour, has shown our passengers some beautiful beaches.

Sydney Heads

The Sydney Heads (also simply known as the Heads) are a series of headlands that form the 2 km wide entrance to Sydney Harbour. Here on the north side of the harbour, it is known as North Head.

North Head is a headland south-east of the suburb of Manly. It is part of Sydney Harbour National Park. The headland is a promontory of sandstone and is 3.85 square kilometres in area.

The heritage-listed former Quarantine Station is located on North Head and is one of the few facilities that operated in each state of Australia from the mid-to-late-1800s until the 1980s. From 1828, Spring Cove, on the western side of North Head, was used to quarantine new arrivals to Sydney to minimise the spread of communicable diseases such as cholera, smallpox and whooping cough.

After checking out the stunning view over the Harbour to the city, they hopped back on the Harley and headed west.

Seaforth

They rode through Seaforth which was named after Loch Seaforth and Seaforth Island in Scotland. The land in this area was once owned by Henry Halloran, who subdivided it in 1906. The Seaforth library was built in 1887 and protected by heritage listing by Manly Council in 1995. The Harley transfer Christmas voucher has already been a fun experience and shown our passenger so many beautiful sights.

The Spit

Then, it was through Spit, which is a suburb in its own right. It protrudes off Beauty Point and is home to the Spit Bridge, a bascule bridge opened in 1958 over Middle Harbour. The bridge opens at set times to allow yachts with high masts to pass. Crossing the Spit Bridge is fun, it has great views of Middle Harbour.

Then it was through the lower north shore and over the SHB.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

We love this bridge and always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic. It’s nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design. It is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. This bridge is the eighth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 m (440 ft) from top to water level. It was also the world’s widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 m (160 ft) wide, until a bridge in Canada was completed in 2012.

Sydney CBD

However, the hour was almost up so they rode through the CBD. The Sydney Central Business District is the vibrant, skyscraper-filled heart of Sydney, blending iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with major shopping (Pitt Street Mall, QVB), dining, cultural institutions (Art Gallery NSW, museums), and green spaces (Royal Botanic Garden, Hyde Park). It’s a busy hub for business, shopping, and tourism, offering a mix of historic precincts like The Rocks and modern waterfront areas like Barangaroo, all highly walkable and known for stunning harbour views

The rider dropped Demi off at the restaurant. In conclusion the Harley transfer Christmas voucher was a success, the best Christmas present ever! She may be a local but seeing the area from the back of a Harley, gives a totally new perspective.

After the ride, George emailed:

Hi Katrina,
She absolutely loved the ride. 
George

Feel the Freedom!

Check out a description of the tour here. This our most popular tour at the moment. Don’t forget every tour is unique so may not be exactly as stated but you will always see the icons mentioned (unless the fireworks are on so half the roads are closed).

or just email trevor@trolltours.com.au and tell us what you would like to do.

It was fun organising the 50th birthday surprise Harley ride. We love surprises! Emma’s Mum talked to us about the Harley ride and what they were thinking. After it was organised, the details changed a few times, thankfully we could accommodate, usually we can but not always.

Our Harley rider picked Emma up at Balmoral Beach, where she had just eaten breakfast with her family.

Balmoral Beach

Riding on, they rode past the lovely posh Balmoral Beach. Everyone who comes here loves it! Balmoral Beach is not so well known by visitors and tourists, but the stunning natural beauty of the beach and surrounds make it well worth a visit. The Beach Beauty trike ride was showing our passenger some beautiful and unique places and views!

Balmoral Burn

Amazingly, the Balmoral Burn is the next experience. Phil Kearns AM, came up with the idea of running up Mosman’s Awaba St as a way to raise funds. It was to say thank you to the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) after one of his sons received emergency care, for suspected meningococcal. It started 22 years ago and is now called The Balmoral Burn.

At its steepest the gradient is nearly 30%, and over its length it rises about 70 metres (230 ft). So far, $33.7 million has been raised! Wow!

Taronga Zoo

They stopped at Kirribilli for a look but couldn’t do the usual Kirribilli Loop. Then they rode past Taronga Zoo. They stopped to watch the koalas feeding in the trees – this won’t happen on every tour. Taronga Zoo, officially opened in October 1916, began as a project of the NSW Zoological Society in 1881, eventually moving to its current location on Mosman in Sydney Harbour. The zoo’s history extends back to 1884 when the first public zoo in Sydney was established at Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park.

Taronga has an absolute commitment to the conservation of wildlife in Australia and around the world.

“We are committed to the conservation of native species, with active involvement in breed and release programs, habitat recovery and the rehabilitation and release of injured or orphaned wildlife.”
Taronga is a not-for-profit. Every dollar you spend saves wildlife.

Interestingly, Taronga is an Aboriginal word meaning “beautiful view”. Divided into various zoogeographic regions, the 28-hectare (69-acre) Taronga Zoo Sydney is home to more than 5,000 animals of approximately 350 different species. Well worth a visit!

Bradleys Head

Continuing on, they rode down the hill to Bradleys Head. It has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. It’s in the suburb of Mosman and is one of Sydney Harbour’s most prominent natural features. First Fleet officers observed and named it, almost every ship entering Sydney Harbour has sailed past it. It possesses Aboriginal, military and naval associations, and it has for many years been the location of various recreational activities. The 50th birthday surprise Harley ride was a fun, memorable and interesting experience.

The Spit

Then they headed backand past Balmoral Beach. Through Spit, which is a suburb in its own right. It protrudes off Beauty Point and is home to the Spit Bridge, a bascule bridge opened in 1958 over Middle Harbour. The bridge opens at set times to allow yachts with high masts to pass. Crossing the Spit Bridge is fun, it has great views of Middle Harbour.

The Spit Lookout

Up the hill from the Spit Bridge is a fab lookout, it’s where this photo was taken. It has beautiful views over Middle Harbour towards the Heads.

However, the 1 hour was almost up, so the rider took Emma back to her family at Balmoral Beach. In conclusion, the 50th birthday surprise Harley ride was the best present ever. It was a fun experience and unique experience.

Feel the Freedom!

Check out a description of the ride here. Don’t forget every tour is unique so may not be exactly as stated but you will always see the icons mentioned (unless something like the Sydney Fireworks are about to happen, when roads are closed).

or just email trevor@trolltours.com.au and tell us what you would like to do.